'Only one school trip death a year'

Statistics show school trips are "incredibly safe", said Steve Lenartowicz, chair of the Outdoor Education Advisers' Panel.

On Tuesday, 12-year-old Jessica Lawson died after falling into a lake near Meymac, France.

"On average, on activities on school trips, there's one pupil a year dies", said Mr Lenartowicz.

That was one death too many, he said, but was relatively low.

"We've got to balance the benefits against the risks."

School trips helped children boost their confidence, character, and health, he added.